Formulations of diluted amino acid segments and methods for making same

ABSTRACT

A formulation of a diluted amino acid segment is prepared by mixing an amino acid segment and a diluting agent to form a mixture. The mixture is serially diluted to produce a diluted formulation. The amino acid segment includes a peptide sequence that is the same as a portion of a longer peptide sequence found in a naturally occurring material. A homeopathic remedy can be prepared using the formulation.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/466,638, titled “Homeopathic Formulations UsingNaturally Occurring Amino Acid Segments as the Active Compound,” filedon 23 Mar. 2011, the entire contents of which are incorporated byreference herein. In the event of a conflict, the subject matterexplicitly recited or shown herein controls over any subject matterincorporated by reference. The incorporated subject matter should not beused to limit or narrow the scope of the explicitly recited or depictedsubject matter.

BACKGROUND

Many Americans use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) inpursuit of health and well-being. The 2007 National Health InterviewSurvey (NHIS), which included a comprehensive survey of CAM use byAmericans, showed that approximately 38 percent of adults use CAM.

CAM is a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices,and products that are not generally considered part of conventionalmedicine. Conventional medicine (also called Western or allopathicmedicine) is medicine as practiced by holders of M.D. and D.O. degreesand by allied health professionals, such as physical therapists,psychologists, and registered nurses. The boundaries between CAM andconventional medicine are not absolute and specific CAM practices may,over time, become widely accepted.

The term “complementary medicine” refers to use of CAM together withconventional medicine. An example is the use of acupuncture along withconventional medicinal techniques to lessen pain. Most use of CAM byAmericans is complementary. “Alternative medicine” refers to use of CAMin place of conventional medicine. “Integrative medicine” (also calledintegrated medicine) refers to a practice that combines bothconventional and CAM treatments for which there is evidence of safetyand effectiveness.

One type of CAM is the whole medical system of homeopathy. It is acomplete system of theory and practice that has evolved over time indifferent cultures and apart from conventional medicine. Homeopathy isused for wellness and prevention and to treat many diseases andconditions.

Homeopathy dates back to the eighteenth century and is founded on theprinciples of pharmacology and biology. Homeopathy seeks to stimulatethe body's ability to heal itself by giving very small doses of highlydiluted substances. The therapeutic method that is the foundation ofmodern homeopathy was first developed by German physician SamuelHahnemann. He articulated two of the foundational principles ofhomeopathy.

The first is the principle or law of similars (or “like cures like”).This principle states that a disease can be cured by a substance thatproduces similar symptoms in healthy people. Hahnemann theorized that ifa substance could cause certain disease symptoms in a healthy person,then small amounts of the substance could cure a sick person who hadsimilar symptoms.

The second is the principle of dilutions (or “law of minimum dose”).This principle states that the lower the dose of medication, the greaterits effectiveness. Hahnemann theorized that the power of a given dose ofmedication is related to the surface area of molecules with which itcomes into contact.

Later researchers further refined and developed the principles outlinedby Hahnemann. In the late nineteenth century, Hugo Schultz postulatedthat the effect of a stimulus on a living cell is indirect andproportional to its intensity and quantity. Later, he demonstrated thatvery low concentrations of yeast toxins increased yeast growth over 100fold.

At about the same time, the psychiatrist Rudolph Arndt developed his“Basic Law of Biology,” which states that weak stimuli slightlyaccelerate the vital activity, middle-strong stimuli raise it, strongstimuli suppresses it, and very strong stimuli halt vital activity.These separate observations were formulated by Arndt into one of theearliest laws of pharmacology representing the homeopathic effect, theArndt-Schultz law, which states: every stimulus on a living cell elicitsan activity, which is inversely proportional to the intensity of thestimulus (Martius F. Das Arndt-Schultz Gnindgesetz, Muench Med. Wschr.,1923, 70(31):1005-1006).

One of the basic tenets of homeopathy is that a cure or treatment for adisease can be evoked by using a high dilution of a material thatresembles but is different from the cause of the disease. Homeopathy iswidely accepted as a useful therapeutic and has been demonstrated tohave characteristic and reproducible effects. A critical review of morethan 100 controlled and/or clinical studies of homeopathy determinedthat patients received positive healing benefits from homeopathy beyondthe placebo effect (Kleijnen, J. et al. 1991 Brit. Med. J. 302:316-323;Linde, K., Clausius, N., Ramirez, G., Melchart, D., Eitel, F., Hedges,L. V., Jonas, W. B., 1997, Lancet, 350:834-843; Reilly, D., et al, 1994,Lancet, 344:1601-1608).

Many homeopathic remedies are used in very low concentrations on theorder of micrograms (10⁻⁶ M) and nanograms (10⁻¹² M); however, in otherhomeopathic preparations, the dilutions exceed Avogadro's number(6.023×10⁻²³). When homeopathic compounds are repetitively diluted 1:10(written as “X”) or 1:100 (written as “C”), with repeated succussions(similar to vortexing) at least 24 times, a potency is achieved (10⁻²⁴or 24× or 12C) that is so highly dilute that the probability of a singlemolecule of the original substance remaining in the volume used is lessthan 1×10⁻¹⁰.

Homeopathic practitioners believe that the potency of a compoundincreases with increasing dilutions. In traditional homeopathicpractice, the standard homeopathic dosage is 10-15 drops of a 10⁻¹²molar, or 6C, solution administered two to three times per day. A 10⁻⁶⁰molar or 30C may be given one to three times per day. A 10⁻⁴⁰⁰ molar or200C may be given only one time per month or year. A 6C dilutionapproximates 1 picogram/ml, which is used in cell culture but would beconsidered a lower than physiological dose when administered to apatient either orally, topically or by injection.

Highly dilute homeopathic remedies have been effective in treating someconditions, including viral infections, in vivo. Homeopathic dilutionsof 200× to 1000× of typhoidinum, hydrophobinum, tuberculinum, nux vomicaand malandrinum 100% inhibited pock-like lesions caused by a chickenembryo DNA virus on the chorio-allantoic membrane compared to controls(Singh, L. M. and Gupta, G. 1985 Brit. Homeopathy 74:168-174). Otherhomeopathic remedies, the same active compound at different homeopathicconcentrations, or control phosphate buffered solution (PBS), had lesseror no effect.

While the exact mechanism of action of homeopathic remedies is unknown,magnetic resonance image measurements on serial dilutions of substancesindicate that the hydroxyl (OH) groups in the solvent of solutionscontinue to change as dilutions become successively higher (Sacks, A. D.1983 J. Holistic Med. 5:175-176; Smith, R. and Boericke, G. 1968 J. Am.Inst. Homeopathy 61:197-212; Smith, R. and Boericke, G. 1966 J. Am.Inst. Homeopathy 59:263-279). It is clear that the specific effects ofhomeopathics are of a non-molecular origin, yet provide potentbiological activities that are clinically effective.

It has been postulated that highly dilute compounds transfer biologicalactivity to cells by electromagnetic fields (Benveniste, J. 1993Frontier Perspectives 3:13-15). Del Giudice et al. have hypothesizedthat interactions between the electric dipoles of water and theradiation fields of a charged molecule generate a permanent polarizationof water which becomes coherent and has the ability to transmit specificinformation to cell receptors, somewhat like a laser (Del Giudice, E.,Preparata, G., Vitiello, G. 1988, Phys. Rev. Lett. 61:1085-1088).

One common homeopathic formulation uses proteins, especially naturallyoccurring proteins, as the active compound. Although these formulationshave largely been shown to be effective, they have come under increasedscrutiny by government agencies responsible for the safety and securityof food, cosmetics, dietary supplements, and the like. The agencies areconcerned that formulations made using certain proteins may represent anunknown or ill defined risk to the end user.

It would be desirable to develop a homeopathic formulation that providesthe same benefit of formulations prepared with complete proteins butwith a lower risk profile.

SUMMARY

A number of representative embodiments are provided to illustrate thevarious features, characteristics, and advantages of the disclosedsubject matter. The embodiments are provided in the context of preparingand administering diluted formulations to patients in order to increasewellness and overall health. It should be understood, however, that theindividual concepts and features disclosed in connection with oneembodiment can be used alone or in various combinations andsub-combinations with one another.

A highly diluted formulation and methods for making and using the sameare disclosed herein. The formulation is prepared using one or moreamino acid segments each of which includes a peptide sequence that isthe same as a portion of a longer peptide sequence found in a naturallyoccurring material. The length of each peptide sequence can be at least5 amino acids, at least 10 amino acids, at least 15 amino acids, or atleast 20 amino acids.

In one embodiment, the amino acid segments are the same as the morebiologically active regions of the peptide sequence found in thenaturally occurring material. In other words, these peptide sequencesare shown or believed to have a stronger association with a healtheffect in humans than the other peptide sequences.

For example, the amino acid segments may be associated with an increasedsusceptibility or resistance to a specific health condition or disease.The amino acid segments can also be associated with positive healtheffects such as weight loss, anti-aging, increased wellness, muscledevelopment, athletic endurance, and fast twitch muscle response

The amino acid segments can have a variety of peptide sequences. Forexample, the entire peptide sequence of the amino acid segment can bethe same as a portion of a longer peptide sequence found in a naturallyoccurring material. In other words, the entire peptide sequence of theamino acid segment can be found in natural sources such as naturallyoccurring protein.

The amino acid segments can also include yoked amino acid chains ortandem amino acid repeats. The peptide sequences of these amino acidsegments can be divided into separate portions which are the same aspeptide sequences found in nature. For example, an amino acid segmentmay have a peptide sequence where one portion is the same as a terminalend of a naturally occurring peptide sequence of an alpha proteinsubunit and another portion is the same as a terminal end of a betaprotein subunit. The amino acid segments may include one, two, three,four, or more of such portions.

The peptide sequence of the amino acid segments can include anycombination (in any order) of individual peptide sequences that are thesame as a portion of a longer peptide sequence found in nature. In oneembodiment, the length of each individual peptide sequence is at least 5amino acids, at least 10 amino acids, at least 15 amino acids, at least20 amino acids, or at least 25 amino acids.

The amino acid segments can include any one or combination of peptidesequences from any suitable naturally occurring material, but preferablyfrom naturally occurring materials that are believed to affect humanhealth. In one embodiment, the amino acid segments include any one orcombination of peptide sequences from a protein such as a glycoproteinor, specifically, a glycoprotein hormone. In another embodiment, theamino acid segments include one or more peptide sequences from a hormonesuch as a peptide hormone.

The amino acid segments can also include one or more peptide sequencesfrom the following materials: human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG),follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH),thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), human growth hormone (HGH), insulin,leptin, angiotensin, cholecystokinin (CCK), and ghrelin.

The amino acid segments can be synthesized or obtained directly fromnatural sources. The former is preferred because the amino acid segmentscan be readily and economically synthesized using conventionaltechniques. Direct extraction of the amino acid segments from naturalsources may be suitable in some situations, but it is typically moredifficult and less economical.

The diluted formulation is prepared by mixing one or more amino acidsegments having the same or different peptide sequences and a dilutingagent to form a mixture and then serially diluting at least a portion ofthe mixture. The mixture can also include amino acids that are not partof a naturally occurring peptide sequence. These may be present in theform of entire amino acid segments or portions of the segments for whichthere is no corresponding sequence found in natural sources. In general,however, it is desirable to minimize the number of non-naturallyoccurring peptide sequences.

The peptide sequence of the amino acid segments can include portionsthat are not: (1) at least five amino acids long and (2) the same as aportion of one or more longer peptide sequences found in a naturallyoccurring material. However, it is desirable that at least 50% (or atleast 75%, at least 90%, or at least 95%) of the peptide sequence of theamino acid segments be at least five amino acids long (or any of thelengths described above) and the same as a portion of one or more longerpeptide sequences found in one or more naturally occurring materials.

In one embodiment, at least 5% w/w (or 5% w/w to 100% w/w including anyamount in between) of the amino acid segments in the mixture includepeptide sequences of at least five amino acids that are the same as aportion of one or more longer peptide sequences found in one or morenaturally occurring materials. In another embodiment, at least 5% w/w(or 5% w/w to 100% w/w including any amount in between) of the aminoacid segments in the mixture include peptide sequences of at least fiveamino acids that are the same as a portion of one or more longer peptidesequences found in a single naturally occurring material.

The mixture can also include a variety of additional materials such asother biologically active compounds. For example, the mixture caninclude carbohydrate molecules that enhance the biological action of theamino acid segments when administered via standard oral homeopathicdosing.

The diluting agent in the mixture can be any suitable material that issuitable for oral ingestion. For example, the diluting agent can bewater, ethanol, glycerin, lactose, and/or sucrose, among othermaterials. The first mixture is serially diluted to produce the finalformulation. Each increasingly dilute mixture is succussed or vigorouslyshaken to potentize or activate it. In one embodiment, the finalformulation is a homeopathic remedy.

Any suitable dilution ratio may be used to dilute the first mixture. Thedilution ratio for each successive, increasingly dilute mixture may bethe same or different. In one embodiment, the first mixture is dilutedon a decimal or centesimal scale using the same dilution ratio for eachstep.

The increasingly dilute mixtures can be succussed in a number ofdifferent ways. At a minimum, the succussion process includes vigorousshaking However, succussion can also include subjecting the mixtures toan impact force. It can also include vortexing the mixtures, which is aspecific type of vigorous shaking The mixtures can be succussed for anysuitable length of time and with or without a pause between eachvigorous shaking episode.

The final formulation can be provided in a variety of forms. Examples ofcommon forms include liquid dilutions that are dispensed from a dropper,pellets, tablets, and capsules. Other forms include ointments, gels, andsuppositories. The formulations may be sold over the counter or byprescription.

The final formulation can be used to naturally support and nurture thebody's ability to overcome or manage undesirable health conditions andpromote the body's ability to enhance desirable health effects. Theformulation supports the body's own internal processes that are thesource of many individual health effects.

In one embodiment, the formulation can be administered as a therapeuticagent for human health that promotes, prevents, treats, supports, and/orameliorates: infertility, weight control, obesity, appetite control,diabetes, thyroid disease, hypertension or blood pressure control,anti-aging, and growth and development. It is especially useful when thehealth effect is mediated by glycoprotein or protein chemical messengeraction, G-protein coupled receptor modulation with subsequent cyclic AMPgeneration and a cascade of intercellular enzymatic mechanisms involvedin regulating signal transduction and hormone synthesis or conversionand/or the production of molecules influencing reproductive processes,metabolic and cardiovascular actions.

The formulation can influence, modulate, and/or support: metabolichormone levels, metabolic hormone actions, chemical messenger-dependentreproductive molecules, cardiovascular function, and/or blood sugarcontrol. The use of amino acid segments is an important intervention forthe maintenance and improvement of human health, especially with agingand the prevention and treatment of various disorders.

Although the formulation is prepared primarily for use by humans, itshould be appreciated that it may also be made to influence the healthof animals. In the case of animals, the included amino acid segments areassociated with one or more health effects in the species, or specificanimal, for which the formulation is made. Formulations may be made foranimals such as cats, dogs, horses, and so forth.

The term “v/v” means the volume fraction of a material (i.e., the volumeof the specified material divided by the volume of the total solution).The term “w/w” means the weight fraction of a material (i.e., the weightof the specified material divided by the weight of the total solution).The two terms may be expressed as a percent by multiplying the value by100.

The Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. The Summary and the Background are not intended to identifykey concepts or essential aspects of the disclosed subject matter, norshould they be used to constrict or limit the scope of the claims. Forexample, the scope of the claims should not be limited based on whetherthe recited subject matter includes any or all aspects noted in theSummary and/or addresses any of the issues noted in the Background.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Formulation that include highly diluted amino acid segments can beprepared and administered to humans or animals to treat or otherwiseaddress health effects that are influenced or affected by the amino acidsegments. The formulation is created by mixing the amino acid segmentswith a diluting agent and serially diluting the resulting mixture. Thefinal formulation can be a homeopathic remedy that is administered anddispensed in a similar way to other homeopathic remedies.

One or more amino acid segments are used as the source material toprepare the formulation. The amino acid segments are typically selectedbecause they are associated with a health effect in the patient such asan increased susceptibility or resistance to an illness, disease,ailment, malady, or, on the other hand, a beneficial healthcharacteristic such as weight loss, improved vision, anti-aging,metabolism speed, hair growth, and the like. The amino acid segments maybe selected for other reasons beyond being associated with a healtheffect.

In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present systems and methods. It will be apparent,however, to one skilled in the art that the present systems and methodsmay be practiced without these specific details. Reference in thespecification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connectionwith the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Theappearance of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in thespecification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

In general, the one or more amino acid segments used in the formulationare selected because they represent the more biologically active regionof a longer peptide sequence found in a naturally occurring materialsuch as a protein or peptide hormone. A more detailed description ofproteins and their functions follows.

Proteins are very important organic molecules which are widelydistributed in plants, animals and humans. However, the way proteins aregenerated differs between plants and animals. Plants have the ability tosynthesize all kinds of proteins, while animals and humans can onlysynthesize a limited number of proteins. Because of this, animals andhumans rely on plants (and/or other animals) to fulfill their dietaryneed for protein.

The term protein was first introduced by G.J. Mulder in 1838. Hediscovered an organic material within cells which was basic to allorganized bodies (or cells). Due to the importance of this substance henamed it protein which originates from the Greek term protos, meaningfirst. Mulder was correct in assigning this substance a high level ofimportance because proteins account for about one-half of the total (dryweight) of plants and animals.

These “albuminoid substances” are so abundant and important that theystayed at the center of biological investigations and scientific debatethroughout the 1900s. How proteins function within cells is essential tothe development, maintenance, adaptability and survival of theindividual.

Proteins are constructed based upon instructions that originate withDNA. This concept was first proposed by F. Crick in 1957 in a lecturegiven to the Society of Experimental Biologists entitled “On ProteinSynthesis.” Crick's sequence hypothesis can be summarized like this: DNAcodes (like a message, by the order of its nucleotide sequence) theinformation to make messenger RNA.

The information is contained in the nucleotide sequence of the messengerRNA, which is processed using the biochemical machinery in cells to makeproteins. There is a 3 to 1 correspondence between the messenger RNAnucleotides and an individual unit of a protein—i.e., an amino acid. Inother words, it takes 3 messenger RNA nucleotides to produce a singleamino acid. Thus, protein synthesis proceeds like this: DNA→encodesmessenger RNA→encodes proteins. Proteins are composed of individualunits, similar in nature to that of DNA and RNA.

Proteins are composed of individual units called amino acids. There areapproximately twenty different amino acids that can be joined togetherby chemical bonds, called peptide bonds. Groups of amino acids bonded bypeptides form a protein or polypeptide. This arrangement of theindividual amino acids can be thought of like “beads on a string.” Thetwenty different amino acids make up the protein alphabet and each aminoacid would represent each individual bead of the string. The differentcombination of the individual amino acids and the way they are arrangedin their linear sequence determines the characteristics of theparticular protein subunit. There are different ways to classifyproteins, but one basic concept is that a protein's structure, basedupon its sequence of amino acids, will define its function.

It is estimated that the human body may contain over two millionproteins, coded by only 20,000 to 25,000 genes, although more than 85%of the total protein within cells function as biological catalyst orenzymes. The term “enzyme” was introduced in 1876 (i.e., a proteincatalyst increases the rate of a specific biochemical reaction). Theimportance of proteins became apparent when a hypothesis describing the“enzyme theory of life” was proposed.

Other examples of proteins include: storage proteins like, the ovalbuminin egg whites; myosin and actin in muscle fibers; casein as a milkprotein; elastin fibers under the skin; collagen in bone, teeth andcartilage; fribrinogen and thrombin involved in blood clottingreactions; hemoglobin and myoglobin as oxygen-binding proteins; pepsinand trypsin as digestive enzymes; antibodies that function in the immunesystem; insulin and glucagons that regulate blood glucose levels; andantibiotics used to fight bacterial infections.

There are many more examples of proteins that could be presented, likestructural proteins, which make up hair, nails, connective tissue,ligaments and tendons, or proteins that are involved in the repair ofcells and tissues. Furthermore, there are many different types ofproteins or amino acid segments within the bloodstream that serve aschemical messengers and/or within cells that serve both structural andmetabolic functions.

The following is a description of glycoprotein structure and function.The term “glycoprotein hormone” usually is applied to gonadotropins fromdifferent tissue sites that are also glycosylated. There are twopituitary gonadotropins, luteinizing hormone (LH) (also known as,lutropin or intersitital cell-stimulating hormone) andfollicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) or follitropin. Their generalbiological functions involve the stimulation of testicular and ovarianvia cell-surface receptors for the regulation and production ofgametogenesis and steroid hormone synthesis in gonadal tissues.

Pituitary thyroid-stimulating hormone (thyrotropin or TSH) regulates awide variety of metabolic, biochemical and physiological processesresulting in the synthesis and secretion of thyroid hormones (T3 andT4). The most studied of the glycoproteins is human chorionicgonadotrophin (hCG).

The glycoproteins include two peptide or amino acid chains calledsubunits, designated alpha and beta. Both subunits are glycosylated atspecific residues and are cross-linked internally by disulfide bonds.For example, the alpha subunit of hCG, FSH, and LH can have disulfidebonds between cysteine amino acid residues. These hormones are found inall mammals and within a species the alpha amino acid sequence orsubunit is identical for each of the glycoprotein hormones while thebeta subunit varies.

The distinguishing feature of hCG, FSH, LH and the thyrotropin hormonefamily is their heterodimeric structure, consisting of a common alphasubunit and a hormone-specific beta subunit. However, it has beenproposed that the entire array of subunits initially evolved from asingle gene. Although, crystal structure data suggests certainsimilarities between the common alpha subunit and the hCG beta subunit.

It is an assumed and accepted axiom that gonadotropin subunit assemblyis vital to the function or biological activity of the hormone. Forexample, i) only dimers of the alpha and beta subunits are biologicallyactive, ii) the confirmation of the heterodimer complex signals theaddition of the hormone-specific oligosaccharides (or glycoside chain)that contribute to the circulatory half-life and to signal transductionof the chemical messenger, and iii) the secretion efficiency of thedimers is determined by the beta subunit.

The amino acid segments can include a portion or the entire common alphasubunit and hormone specific beta subunit as a single polypeptide chainto achieve a desired biological response. Instead of synthesizing theseparate alpha and beta subunits that are found in vivo, single-chainanalogs of the identical amino acids or smaller segments of the aminoacids from both alpha and beta subunits can be synthesized and have alonger biological half-life activity.

Furthermore, the analog of the common alpha and specific hCG betasubunits synthesized as a single amino acid chain can fold into anappropriate conformation and the nonconvalent linkage of the subunits isnot required for biological activity. For example, an amino acid segmentsynthesized from the C-terminal end of the hCG beta subunit fused to theN-terminal end or amino acid sequence of the alpha subunit hasbiological activity similar to the endogenous or natural heterodimer.

Analogs alpha-beta and beta-alpha configuration for yoked hCG aminoacids sequences along with three-dimensional conformations allow forbinding to endogenous receptors via activation of G-protein-coupledfunction and stimulation of downstream cascade mechanisms (GB Fralish etal., 2003, Mole Endo, 17: 757-767).

Finally, glycosylation of a tandem or yoked C-terminal end of hCGcontaining the four serine-linked oligosaccharides with the N-terminalend of the alpha subunits displays increased biological activity. Thus,amino acid segments that include one or more peptide sequences that arethe same as a portion of longer natural amino acid sequences may beconstructed or synthesized from the alpha and the beta subunits of theglycoproteins to produce biologically active and high efficacycompounds.

Segments of naturally occurring amino acid sequences from the commonalpha and specific beta subunits can be produced or synthesized inapproximately 5, 10, 20, 30, 40 or 50 amino acid chains or more. Theamino acid segments can be single independent sequences from a subunit,tandem or yoked segments having different subunit sequences, orcombinations of amino acid mixtures.

The amino acid segments can be derived from glycoproteins, such as thosementioned above, and other proteins that do not have alpha and betasubunits. Examples of other proteins include human growth hormone (HGH)for development, growth and improvement of general health, insulin forregulation of blood sugar levels and diabetes, angiotensin II for themodulation of blood pressure, leptin and ghrelin for weight control, andcholecystokinin (CCK) for appetite control.

In one embodiment, the amino acid segments are synthesized segments ofnaturally occurring amino acid sequences in proteins that have thecommon alpha and specific beta subunit structure (commonly found inglycoproteins). These segments can include approximately 5, 10, 20, 30,40, or 50 amino acid chains that are independent from each other,tandem/yoked using different subunits, or combinations of these. Theadministered amino acid segments may also include amino acid segments ofproteins that do not have alpha and beta subunit structures, such asHGH, insulin, angiotensin II, leptin, CCK, and ghrelin.

Table 1 below shows some examples of independent amino acid segments,tandem/yoked using different subunit amino acid sequences, orcombinations of amino acid mixtures and their dosing range. The mixturemay include any single amino acid segment or combination of amino acidsegments shown in Table 1. For example, the mixture may includecomponents A and B, a tandem AB amino acid segment, only E, or othercombinations. Exemplary homeopathic dosing amounts per day are alsoshown in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Examples of Independent Amino Acid Segments, tandem/yoked usingdifferent subunit amino acid segments, or combinations of amino acidmixtures and dosing range. Levels/Concentration Range of Dosing Per Day(Range by X Scale) Component #1 #2 #3 A. Alpha (α) subunit 1X to 6X 2Xto 12X 8X to 10, 20, 30, 40 or 50 amino acid 400X sequence/segments ofthe N-terminal portion of the subunit B. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin(hCG) 10, 20, 30, 40 or 50 amino acid sequence/segments of theC-terminal portion of the beta subunit C. Follicle Stimulating Hormone(FSH) 10, 20, 30, 40 or 50 amino acid sequence/segments of theC-terminal portion of the beta subunit D. luteinizing hormone (LH) 10,20, 30, 40 or 50 amino acid sequence/segments of the C-terminal portionof the beta subunit E. Human Growth Hormone (HGH) 10, 20, 30, 40 or 50amino acid sequence/segments of the peptide F. Insulin 10, 20, 30, 40 or50 amino acid sequence/segments of the peptide G. Angiotensin II 5, 10amino acid sequence/segments of the peptide H. Leptin 10, 20, 30, 40 or50 amino acid sequence/segments of the peptide I. Cholecystokinin (CCK)10, 20, 30, 40 or 50 amino acid sequence/segments of the peptide J.Ghrelin 10, 20, 30, 40 or 50 amino acid sequence/segments of the peptide*It should be appreciated that the amino acid segments may be used atany of the dilution levels disclosed herein and not just those shown inthe table. The dilution levels are provided in the table as examples ofsuitable dilution levels and should not be viewed as limiting in anyway.

The amino acid sequences or segments may be synthesized using well knownmethods and techniques that are suitable for small or large scaleproduction of high purity material. Examples of suitable methods includeearly methods such as the Strecker amino acid synthesis protocol andmore recent technology involving automated sequencing techniques andimprovements to established methodologies.

As mentioned above, the amino acid segments include a peptide sequencethat is the same as a portion of a longer peptide sequence found in anaturally occurring material. The length of the peptide sequence in theamino acid segments can be at least 5 amino acids, at least 10 aminoacids, at least 15 amino acids, at least 20 amino acids, or at least 25amino acids.

The highly diluted formulation can be made using the amino acid segmentsas follows. The process includes preparing a first mixture (alsoreferred to herein as the initial mixture or mother tincture) thatincludes the amino acid segments, diluting the first mixture with adiluting agent, and potentizing or activating the first mixture byvigorously shaking it. The dilution and shaking steps are repeatedmultiple times until the desired potency is reached.

The first mixture is prepared by mixing the amino acid segments with adiluting agent. The diluting agent can be any suitable material such asethanol, water, glycerin, or any combination of these materials. Thediluting agent preferably includes ethanol since it typically forms amore stable solution that keeps for a longer time. Aqueous or othertypes of solutions may be preferable in situations where the amino acidsegments are soluble in water but not ethanol or the amino acid segmentsare subject to chemical change or decomposition in ethanol.

In one embodiment, the diluting agent includes at least approximately 5%v/v ethanol, at least approximately 20% v/v ethanol, at leastapproximately 60% v/v ethanol, at least approximately 70% v/v ethanol,or at least approximately 90% v/v ethanol. The remainder of the dilutingagent can be water, and preferably distilled water. In anotherembodiment, the diluting agent includes no more than approximately 10%v/v water, no more than approximately 30% v/v water, no more thanapproximately 40% v/v water, no more than approximately 80% v/v water,or no more than approximately 95% v/v water.

The first mixture can include any suitable quantity and type of aminoacid segments. It should be appreciated that if the amino acid segmentsare provided as part of a solution, any non-amino acid segments in thesolution should be accounted for when determining the concentration ofthe amino acid segments in the first mixture. For example, if the aminoacid segments are part of an aqueous solution that is combined with thediluting agent to form the first mixture, the water in the aqueoussolution should be accounted for when determining the concentration ofthe first mixture.

In one embodiment, the first mixture includes no more than approximately⅕ w/w or v/v amino acid segments or no more than approximately ⅛ w/w orv/v amino acid segments. In another embodiment, the first mixtureincludes at least 1/1000 w/w or v/v amino acid segments or at least1/500 w/w or v/v amino acid segments. In yet another embodiment, thefirst mixture includes approximately ⅕ w/w or v/v amino acid segments toapproximately 1/1000 w/w or v/v amino acid segments or approximately ⅛w/w or v/v amino acid segments to approximately 1/500 w/w or v/v aminoacid segments. Preferably, the first mixture includes approximately 1/10w/w or v/v amino acid segments or 1/100 w/w or v/v amino acid segments.

In another embodiment, the peptide sequences of at least 5% w/w (or any5% w/w increment from 5% w/w to 100% w/w) of the amino acid segments inthe mixture are the same as a portion of one or more longer peptidesequences found in one or more naturally occurring materials. Desirably,at least 90% w/w (or 93% w/w, 97% w/w, or 99% w/w) of the amino acidsegments in the first mixture are the same as a portion of one or morelonger peptide sequence found in one or more naturally occurringmaterials.

In another embodiment, the peptide sequences of at least 5% w/w (or any5% w/w increment from 5% w/w to 100% w/w) of the amino acid segments inthe mixture are the same as a portion of one or more longer peptidesequences found in a single naturally occurring material such as apeptide hormone or protein. Desirably, at least 90% w/w (or 93% w/w, 97%w/w, or 99% w/w) of the amino acid segments in the first mixture are thesame as a portion of one or more longer peptide sequence found in singlenaturally occurring material such as a peptide hormone or protein.

In some situations, it may be desirable to subject the amino acidsegments to a maceration process before combining it with the dilutingagent to form the first mixture. The maceration process proceeds asfollows. The amino acid segments are placed in a container such as a jaror bottle and a solvent is added until it completely engulfs the aminoacid segments. The container is closed, placed in a dark room at roomtemperature and vigorously shaken at regular intervals. This is done forup to two months and then the liquid in the container is decanted.

In other situations, it may be desirable to subject the amino acidsegments to a percolation process before combining it with the dilutingagent to form the first mixture. The percolation process proceeds asfollows. The amino acid segments are dried and reduced to a fine powder.A solvent is mixed with the powder until it is uniformly and distinctlydamp. The damp powder is transferred to a percolator, allowed to standfor one hour, and then packed firmly into the percolator.

The percolator should be provided with a stop-cock or other device tocontrol the flow through the unit. A plug of absorbent cotton isinserted into the neck above the stop-cock and covered with a filtermaterial. The damp powder is spread onto the filter material and thenthe filter material and plug are pressed down with a broad, inerttamper. Another piece of filter material is placed on top of theexisting filter material.

While holding the filter and plug combination down, the solvent ispoured upon the contents of the percolator until the filter and plugcombination is covered, allowing the fluid to run gently down the rod sothat the filter material is not displaced. Close the percolator toprevent evaporation. Close the valve or stop-cock as soon as the fluidbegins to drop and allow it to stand 24 hours or longer depending on thenature of the contents. The fluid should pass through the percolatorinto the receiver, drop by drop, at a rate of approximately 10 to 30drops per minute. Additional solvent should be periodically added tokeep the liquid surface above the powder, thereby preventing access ofair.

The amino acid segments may also be heated as part of the maceration orpercolation processes or as part of another different process. The heatmay cause the constituents of the amino acid segments to break down andlead to a more complex extraction of medicinal properties. The aminoacid segments may be heated using any of a number of suitabletechniques.

In one embodiment, the amino acid segments are incubated using thefollowing process. The process is the same as that described formaceration above except that after the container is closed, it is heatedup to 100° C. or up to 50° C. (e.g., approximately 37° C.) andmaintained at the desired temperature, with occasional agitation, forapproximately one hour. After cooling, the container is placed in a darkroom and the maceration process proceeds as described above.

In another embodiment, the amino acid segments are heated using aninfusion process. The dried amino acid segments and a solvent are placedin a container and allowed to stand for up to an hour (e.g.,approximately 15 minutes). Boiling water is poured over the preparationand, under a reflux condenser, the contents are maintained at theboiling point for up to 30 minutes (e.g., approximately 5 minutes). Thecontainer is cooled to room temperature, closed, placed in a dark roomat normal temperature, and vigorously shaken at regular intervals. Theremainder of the process is similar to that described for macerationabove.

In another embodiment, the amino acid segments are heated using adecoction process. The dried amino acid segments and a solvent areplaced in a container and allowed to stand overnight. The contents arethen heated under a reflux condenser and the boiling point is maintainedfor 30 minutes. After cooling, the container should be handled in themanner described for the infusion process.

The solvent mentioned above in connection with the maceration andpercolation processes as well as the heating methods can be any suitablesolvent. In one embodiment, the solvent can be the same as any of thediluting agents described above. Also, it should be appreciated that anyof the heating methods described above can be used separately from themaceration or percolation processes. They can be used in conjunctionwith any other process or as a standalone heating step.

There may be some situations where the amino acid segments are notsoluble in the diluting agent. In these situations, the amino acidsegments can be converted into a form that can be introduced into thecore process. This is done by diluting the amino acid segments while itis in a solid or semi-solid form using a process called trituration. Theamino acid segments are combined with a solid diluting agent to form afirst solid mixture. The solid diluting agent can be any suitablematerial such as lactose or sucrose. Preferably, the solid dilutingagent is largely or entirely lactose.

The amino acid segments and the solid diluting agent are mixed togetherin any suitable way using any suitable equipment. In one embodiment, thematerials are processed by hand using a mortar and pestle. This methodmay be especially useful when processing smaller quantities. In anotherembodiment, the materials are processed using mechanical equipment suchas a ball mill. This device includes a cylindrical porcelain jar fittedwith a tight lid. The materials are placed in the jar together with veryhard porcelain cylinders. The jar is closed, placed on horizontalrollers, and rotated by electric motors for a long enough time to ensurecomplete and thorough mixing of the materials (e.g., approximately twohours). This method may be especially useful when processing largerquantities.

The first solid mixture can include any suitable amount and type ofamino acid segments. In one embodiment, the solid mixture can have thesame amount and types of amino acid segments as the first mixturedescribed above.

The first solid mixture can be diluted further using the same process.The dilution ratio used for each successive, increasingly dilute solidmixture is preferably the same as the dilution ratio used to prepare thefirst solid mixture. However, the dilution ratio does not need to be thesame and can potentially vary for each successive, increasingly dilutesolid mixture.

Examples of suitable dilution ratios include 1:5 (it should be notedthat this ratio is used by other dilution treatment methodologies but isnot a proper dilution ratio in homeopathy), 1:10, 1:100, 1:1,000,1:50,000, 1:100,000, 1:500,000, 1:1,000,000 or any ratio in betweenthese. Since the materials are solid, the dilution ratio is preferablydetermined on a w/w basis. However, a w/v or v/v basis may be used aswell to the extent practicable. The amount of amino acid segments in theincreasingly dilute solid mixtures can be determined based on theoriginal amount of amino acid segments in the first solid mixture, thenumber of times it was subsequently diluted, and the dilution ratio usedeach time.

One example of a trituration process is as follows. The first solidmixture is prepared by mixing the amino acid segments and the soliddiluting agent at a ratio of 1:10 to form a mixture having a potency of1×. It is mixed using a ball mill for two hours. The first solid mixtureis diluted by mixing it with the solid diluting agent at a ratio of 1:10and processed in a ball mill to produce a second solid mixture having apotency of 2×. The second solid mixture is then diluted further bymixing it with the solid diluting agent at a ratio of 1:10 and processedin a ball mill to produce a third solid mixture having a potency of 3×.The subsequent, increasingly dilute mixtures are all prepared using adilution ratio of 1:10 to produce increasingly potent mixtures.

After one or more triturations, the solid mixture can be incorporatedinto the core process and used to prepare the first mixture referencedabove. For example, the 3× trituration prepared above can be substitutedfor the amino acid segments used to prepare the first mixture. The 3×trituration readily dissolves in the diluting agent (e.g., ethanol,water, glycerin, etc.) and further dilution can proceed in the mannerdescribed below.

The first mixture is serially diluted to produce successive,increasingly dilute mixtures. The first mixture can be serially dilutedany number of times using any suitable dilution ratio. The dilutionratio used to prepare each increasingly dilute mixture is preferably thesame as the dilution ratio used to prepare the first mixture. However,the dilution ratio does not need to be the same and can potentially varyfor each increasingly dilute mixture.

Examples of suitable dilution ratios include 1:5 (see previous noteabout this dilution ratio and its applicability to homeopathy), 1:10,1:100, 1:1,000, 1:50,000, 1:100,000, 1:500,000, 1:1,000,000 or any ratioin between these. The dilution ratios may be on a w/w, w/v, or v/vbasis. In one embodiment, the first mixture is diluted according to thedecimal (X), centesimal (C), or fifty millesimal (LM) scale.

The final formulation may be labeled with a number followed by a romannumeral to indicate the final dilution and the manner in which the firstmixture is serially diluted. Examples of such a label include 20X, 40C,and 20LM. The letter designation denotes the dilution ratio used in theprocess and the number before the letter indicates how many times thestarting material has been diluted at that ratio. For example, V, X, C,and LM mean that each increasingly dilute mixture is prepared using a1:5, 1:10, 1:100, and 1:50000 dilution ratio, respectively. Theconcentration can be determined by the number of dilutions given at thespecified dilution ratio.

For example, a formulation labeled 40X has a concentration of 1×10⁻⁴⁰and a formulation labeled 20C has the same concentration 1×100⁻²⁰ or1×10⁻⁴⁰. Although the final concentration is the same, the formulationsare not the same because the 40X formulation is prepared by undergoing40 separate dilutions at a 1:10 dilution ratio and the 20C formulationis prepared by undergoing 20 separate dilutions at a 1:100 dilutionratio.

The designation M is also used as a potency designation on labels.However, the M is not a separate dilution ratio (like X, C and LM). Itis merely shorthand for 1000C. The further dilution of a 1M potencyincludes serial 1:100 dilutions until the 2000th potency is reach, whichis designated 2M. Thus, 10M means 10000C, 15M means 15000C, and soforth.

In one embodiment, the first mixture is serially diluted using anaverage dilution ratio of no more than approximately 1:5 or 1:10. Itshould be appreciated that the phrase “no more than” is used in thecontext of the decimal value of the dilution ratio and not the romannumeral notation used to refer to the dilution scale. For example, thedecimal value of 1:5 is 0.2. The decimal value of the average dilutionratio is no more than approximately 0.2 but may be less thanapproximately 0.2 such as 1:10 (0.1) or 1:100 (0.01). Although the romannumeral notation increases as the decimal value of the dilution ratiodrops, the decimal value is being referenced unless noted otherwise.

In another embodiment, the first mixture is serially diluted using anaverage dilution ratio of approximately 1:5 to approximately 1:1000000,approximately 1:10 to approximately 1:50000, or approximately 1:10 toapproximately 1:100. The average dilution ratio refers to the average ofall the dilution ratios used to serially dilute the first mixture. Insituations where the same dilution ratio is used for each serialdilution, the average dilution ratio is the same as the dilution ratioused.

In another embodiment, the dilution ratio for each serial dilution ofthe first mixture is no more than approximately 1:5 or 1:10. In yetanother embodiment, the dilution ratio for each serial dilution of thefirst mixture is approximately 1:5 to approximately 1:1000000,approximately 1:10 to approximately 1:50000, or approximately 1:10 toapproximately 1:1000.

The diluting agent used to prepare each increasingly dilute mixture maythe same as or different than the diluting agent used to prepare thefirst mixture. In one embodiment, the final formulation may be in theform of a solid tablet, pellet, or the like. The diluting agent includesat least approximately 50% w/w or v/v ethanol or at least approximately70% w/w or v/v ethanol. In another embodiment, the final formulation isa liquid that is administered orally. The diluting agent used to dilutethe first mixture and prepare a second mixture includes at leastapproximately 50% w/w or v/v ethanol or at least approximately 60% w/wor v/v ethanol. The diluting agent used to prepare the remainder of theincreasingly dilute mixtures includes at least approximately 10% w/w orv/v ethanol or at least approximately 20% w/w or v/v ethanol.

The first mixture can be diluted using any suitable method. Two methodsthat can be used are the Hahnemannian and Korsakovian methods. Thedifference between the methods centers on whether the container ischanged each time the mixture is diluted. The container is changed eachtime in the Hahnemannian method but is not in the Korsakovian method.

For example, a 3C formulation is made using the Hahnemannian method asfollows. The 1C formulation is prepared by removing 1 part of the firstmixture from its container and adding it to 99 parts of diluting agentin another container. The 2C formulation is prepared by removing 1 partof the 1C formulation from its container and adding it to 99 parts ofdiluting agent in yet another container. The 3C formulation is preparedby removing 1 part of the 2C formulation from its container and additionit to 99 parts of diluting agent in yet another container.

In contrast, a 3C formulation is made using the Korsakovian method inthe same container. The 1C formulation is prepared by emptying thecontents of the first mixture from the container so that 1 part remains(e.g., the small amount left on the walls and bottom of the containerwhen it is emptied) and adding 99 parts diluting agent to the container.The 2C formulation is prepared by emptying the contents of the 1Cformulation from the container so that 1 part remains and adding 99parts diluting agent. This process is repeated again to produce the 3Cformulation. In Korsakovian method every subsequent dilution is achievedby emptying the container of 99% on a w/w or v/v basis of the previousformulation and refilling it with fresh diluting agent.

An H or a K can be added to the label to indicate which method was usedto produce the formulation. For example, 3CH indicates centesimalattenuation, Hahnemannian style. 3CK indicates centesimal attenuation,Korsakovian style.

A formulation can be prepared using the same method throughout or bycombining the two methods or any other suitable method. In oneembodiment, the Hahnemannian method is used for the first 12 to 200serial dilutions and the Korsakovian method is used for additionaldilutions. In another embodiment, the Hahnemannian method is used toprepare formulations up to 200C and the Korsakovian method is used toprepare formulations above 200C. For formulations above 200C, theKorsakovian method may be used for all of the serial dilutions or theHahnemannian method may be used for each serial dilution up to 200C andthen the Korsakovian method used thereafter.

Each successive, increasingly dilute mixture is potentized or activatedby vigorously shaking the container holding the mixture. This vigorousshaking is known as succussion. Substances that are diluted withoutbeing vigorously shaken do not have the same wellness enhancingproperties as succussed substances. Vigorously shaking the solutionallows the formulation to remain potent past the point where none of theoriginal molecules of amino acid segments remain in the dilution. Thepurely chemical effect of the amino acid segments are lost as it isdiluted more and more, but with vigorous shaking the homeopathic effectsare released. With vigorous shaking, the homeopathic remedy getsstronger and longer lasting with each successive dilution.

In one embodiment, each increasingly dilute mixture is succussed bysubjecting it to vigorous shaking and an impact force. If the mixture issuccussed by hand, this can be done by striking the container against anobject such as a large book. If the mixture is succussed in an automatedfashion, this can be done by a special mechanical shaking device. Thedevice shakes the container and subjects it to an impact force.

In one embodiment, each increasingly dilute mixture is subjected to atleast approximately 2 impact forces, at least approximately 5 impactforces, or at least approximately 10 impact forces. In anotherembodiment, each increasingly dilute mixture is subjected toapproximately 2 to approximately 1000 impact forces, approximately 5 toapproximately 100 impact forces, approximately 10 to approximately 50impact forces, or approximately 20 to approximately 40 impact forces.The increasingly dilute mixtures may each be subjected to same number ofimpact forces or a different number of impact forces.

Each increasingly dilute mixture may be vigorously shaken for any amountof time that is desirable. In one embodiment, each increasingly dilutemixture is shaken for at least approximately 2 seconds, at leastapproximately 4 seconds, or at least approximately 8 seconds. In anotherembodiment, each increasingly dilute mixture is vigorously shaken for nomore than approximately 2 hours, no more than approximately 1 hour, orno more than approximately 30 minutes. In yet another embodiment, eachincreasingly dilute mixture is vigorously shaken for approximately 2seconds to approximately 2 hours, approximately 4 seconds toapproximately 1 hour, or approximately 8 seconds to approximately 30minutes. The increasingly dilute mixtures may each be vigorously shakenfor the same amount of time or a different amount of time.

Each increasingly dilute mixture may be succussed by repeatedly startingand stopping the shaking In one embodiment, each mixture is vigorouslyshaken at least approximately 2 times, at least approximately 5 times,or at least approximately 8 times. In another embodiment, each mixtureis vigorously shaken no more than approximately 1000 times, no more thanapproximately 500 times, or no more than approximately 100 times. In yetanother embodiment, each mixture is vigorously shaken approximately 2 toapproximately 1000 times, approximately 5 to approximately 500 times, orapproximately 8 to approximately 100 times.

It may be desirable to pause between shaking successive mixtures. In oneembodiment, there is at least 1 minute, at least 2 minutes, or at least3 minutes between shaking of each successive mixture. It should beappreciated that the pause between shaking successive mixtures may beany suitable length of time.

Formulations prepared using higher dilution ratios may require multipledilutions between shaking For example, a formulation can be preparedusing the 1:50000 dilution ratio as follows. The amino acid segments areadded as part of a liquid or a solid to lactose in a proportion of1:100. If liquid, the amino acid segments are added using a dropper orother dispenser to the lactose. The mixture is then triturated to the 3Ctrituration in the manner described above. A portion of the trituration,e.g., 0.062 g, is added to 500 drops of diluting agent in a container.One drop of the resulting mixture is then added to 2 ml of dilutingagent. The mixture is then shaken for the first time to form the 1LMformulation.

The 2LM formulation is prepared by mixing one drop of the 1LM mixturewith 0.575 g #10 pellets (500 #10 pellets) to form medicated pellets.One of the medicated pellets is added to 2 ml of diluting agent. Themixture is shaken to form the 2LM formulation. This process is repeateduntil the desired dilution level has been achieved.

The final formulation can have any suitable concentration of the firstmixture or the amino acid segments. In one embodiment, the concentrationof either the first mixture or the amino acid segments in the finalformulation is no more than approximately 1×10⁻³ on a w/w or v/v basis,no more than approximately 1×10⁻⁴ on a w/w or v/v basis, no more thanapproximately 1×10⁻⁵ on a w/w or v/v basis, or no more thanapproximately 1×10⁻⁶ on a w/w or v/v basis.

The potency of the final formulation is different than itsconcentration. In homeopathy, the potency increases as it becomesincreasingly dilute. A formulation having a higher concentration ofamino acid segments has a lower potency than one that's more diluted.The potency of the formulation is given by the label. For example, a 15Xformulation is more dilute and, therefore, has a higher potency than a10X formulation. Likewise, a 10C formulation has a higher potency than a15X formulation (10C=20X). The potency of the final formulation is atleast 1V, 1X, or, desirably, 2X.

The final formulation may have any potency referenced herein. In oneembodiment, different potency chords can be prepared from the firstmixture. For example, the first mixture can be used to create potenciesof 3×, 6×, 12×, 100×, 200×, etc. These are referred to as potency ordilution chords because the different potencies are made from the samestarting mixture. Any desirable potency chords can be prepared using anysuitable dilution ratio or scale. In one embodiment, potency chords maybe prepared

The final formulation can be orally ingested by the patient in the formof a liquid, pellet or globule, or tablet. The liquid form can bepackaged in any suitable container such as an amber glass bottle. It mayalso be dispensed from the container in any suitable manner such as witha dropper. The container can be any suitable size but preferablyincludes approximately 10 ml to approximately 100 ml of the finalformulation or approximately 15 ml to approximately 60 ml of the finalformulation. In another embodiment, the container includes approximately10 ml, approximately 15 ml, approximately 30 ml, or approximately 60 mlof the final formulation.

The liquid form typically includes a mixture of purified water andethanol, although it can include any combination of diluting agentand/or amino acid segments. The ethanol may be included to preserve theformulation and protect it from decomposition. In one embodiment, thefinal formulation includes no more than approximately 90% w/w or v/vethanol, no more than approximately 75% w/w or v/v ethanol, no more thanapproximately 50% w/w of v/v ethanol, or no more than approximately 30%w/w or v/v ethanol. In another embodiment, the final formulationincludes approximately 20% w/w or v/v ethanol, approximately 10% w/w orv/v ethanol, or approximately 5% w/w or v/v to approximately 25% w/w orv/v ethanol.

The pellet form is popular because it is easy to store and dispense. Thediluting agent that makes up most of the pellet is sucrose, lactose,and/or other suitable polysaccharides. The pellets can be any suitablesize and shape. In one embodiment, the pellets have a spherical shapeand the size is designated according to the diameter of 10 pelletsmeasured in millimeters. Standard sizes include very small pellets(#10), small pellets (#20), regular pellets (#35), and large pellets(#55). Pellets made of lactose will absorb alcoholic dilutions having amuch larger percentage of water than will those made of sucrose.

The pellets may be medicated in any suitable way. In one embodiment, thepellets are medicated by placing them in a container and adding the lastliquid formulation in a proportion of not less than 1% v/w (i.e., 1 dropof liquid for 2 g of unmedicated pellet). The pellets are allowed tosoak for 3-5 minutes and then shaken to obtain the final formulation.The medicated pellets are dried at a temperature that is no more thanapproximately 40° C. This method may be especially suitable forsituations where the liquid includes ethanol. If sucrose pellets aremedicated then the liquid mixture should includes at least 70% w/w orv/v ethanol to prevent it from dissolving.

The pellets can be ingested sublingually (under the tongue) and allowedto dissolve for optimal absorption and utilization. They should be takenwhen there aren't other substances in the patient's mouth such as food,residues of tooth paste, mouth wash, gum, or the like. If the patienthas recently eaten or had something in his or her mouth, then it may bedesirable to have the patient wait approximately 1 hour before takingany pellets.

The tablet form can also be used to deliver the final formulation to thepatient. Tablets differ from pellets based on how they are made and, inmany situations, what they look like. The tablets can be made using anysuitable process, although they are usually made using a differentprocess than that used to make the pellets. Also, although the tabletsand pellets may have any suitable shape, the pellets typically have aspherical shape and tablets have a non-spherical shape. Two examples ofsuitable tables include tablet triturates and compressed tablets.

Tablet triturates are soft, molded tablets produced from moist materialon a triturate mold which gives them the shape of cut sections of acylinder. They dissolve immediately when put in the patient's mouth.Tablet triturates are typically made using the following four stepprocess. However, it should be appreciated that this process can bemodified in a number of different ways and still produce a tablet thatqualifies as a tablet triturate.

The first step in the method is to prepare a triturate having thedesired potency in the manner described above. The second step is to addbinder material to the mixture in any suitable amount (e.g.,approximately 0.5 to approximately 2 parts binder to approximately 10 toapproximately 20 parts triturate). The binder material may include anysuitable material. In one embodiment, the binder material is provided asa solution that includes a binder (e.g., such as gum arabic ormicrocrystalline cellulose), an optional preservative, an inertlubricant, and purified water. The third step is to mold the tablets byhand or with suitable equipment. The fourth step is to dry the moldedtablets at a temperature of 70° F. to 110° F.

Compressed tablets are hard tablets that do not dissolve immediatelywhen put in the patient's mouth. These are typically meant to beswallowed with water because they take too long to dissolve orally.Compressed tablets are formed by preparing a triturate having thedesired potency in the manner described above. A binder material that issimilar to or the same as that described in connection with the tablettriturates can be added to the triturate. The mixture is then compressedto form a hard tablet that is similar to conventional medicine tablets.

The final formulation can also be administered in the form of a capsule.The final formulation may be a liquid or a solid (e.g., a powder) thatis enclosed in the capsule and orally administered to the patient. Thecapsule dissolves in the patient's stomach and releases the finalformulation.

In addition to liquids, pellets, tablets, and capsules, the finalformulation may also be provided in the form of ointments, lotions, andgels, which can be applied externally. These typically have lesstherapeutic effect than internally consumed remedies. The finalformulation can also be provided as a suppository.

In one embodiment, the final formulation is part of a homeopathicremedy. The final formulation is provided in any of the forms discussedabove and packaged in any suitable container. A label is attached to thecontainer that communicates to the user that the formulation inside ishomeopathic in nature and/or includes amino acid segments of somepotency such as at least 1×, at least 3×, and so forth.

It should be appreciated that the label does not need to use the words“amino acid segments” to communicate that amino acid segments areincluded in the formulation. Rather, the label can use a number of termsand descriptions to communicate this to the user. For example, the labelmay state that it includes one or more specific materials that qualifyas amino acid segments. There are numerous other ways the label cancommunicate this to the user.

The concepts described herein may also be applied to imprinting ordigital homeopathy. The underlying concept is that vibrational exchangeis the language of biochemistry. Molecules produced by the body thatgovern physiology and molecules administered as a therapeutic treatmentwork by transmitting an electromagnetic signal or signature, vibratingat a specific frequency, termed the “resonance frequency,” that can besensed and responded to by the cells in the body. Therapeutic treatmentswork by getting close enough to the cell so that their resonancefrequencies can be picked up and responded to.

It follows, then, that it may not be necessary to administer a physicalsubstance to the patient. The patient can be directly influenced throughapplication of the resonance frequency. Instead of administering theactual substance, its resonance frequency is determined and applied tothe patient in a concentrated, or potentiated, form.

The physics by which serial dilution concentrates frequencies isdifficult to understand. Suffice it to say that removing a molecule fromsolution that once emitted a frequency creates an entity called ahyperproton, which is basically concentrated energy. The frequency givenoff from a given therapeutic agent can be recorded, digitized, emittedor imprinted into a liquid medium and then given to a biological systemto generate a biological effect—the same effect that would occur if theoriginal molecule was administered in intact form.

The resonance frequency of the amino acid segments can be identified andused for imprinting purposes. In one embodiment, the resonancefrequencies for various amino acid segments and/or final formulationsare stored in a computer database. The frequencies can be transmittedinto the patient's body via any suitable transmission system for thepurpose of evaluating which frequencies are the most valuable orbeneficial to the patient's body. The specific frequencies that yourbody finds of value can then be imprinted into a carrier solution. Thepatient then places one or more drops of the imprinted solution underhis/her tongue. The specific frequencies enter the patient's body,distribute through the patient's energetic nervous system, and stimulatethe patient's cells to respond. Alternatively, the specific frequenciesmay be applied directly to the patient.

It should be appreciated that any source of electromagnetic energy canbe used to identify the resonance frequency of the amino acid segmentsand/or final formulations, imprint the carrier solution, or directlytreat the patient. Examples of suitable sources of electromagneticenergy include RF, lasers, and the like.

In one embodiment, the final formulation can be used as part of atherapeutic treatment that includes measuring the electromagneticsignals of the amino acid segments in the formulation. For example, ahomeopathic practitioner may measure a patient's energy field and thenmatch that to the electromagnetic signature of a specific formulation toarrive at the appropriate treatment.

In another embodiment, the final formulation may be used as part of atherapeutic treatment such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,142,927,titled “Method and Apparatus for Treatment with Resonant Signals,”issued on 7 Nov. 2000, which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety. Specifically, the final formulation may be used to providedigital sequences that are stored in the computer as disclosed in the‘927 patent.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are provided to further illustrate the disclosedsubject matter. They should not be used to constrict or limit the scopeof the claims in any way.

Example 1

In this example, two amino acid segments from hCG were prepared and thenused to create a homeopathic rememdy. The first amino acid segmentincludes the first twenty five amino acids starting at the N-terminal ofthe alpha subunit of hCG and has the following sequence:Ala-Pro-Asp-Val-Gln-Asp-Cys-Pro-Glu-Cys-Thr-Leu-Gln-Glu-Asn-Pro-Phe-Phe-Ser-Gln-Pro-Gly-Ala-Pro-Ile.

The second amino acid segment includes the last thirty amino acidsending at the C-terminal of the beta subunit of hCG and has thefollowing sequence:Gln-Asp-Ser-Ser-Ser-Ser-Lys-Ala-Pro-Pro-Pro-Ser-Leu-Pro-Ser-Pro-Ser-Arg-Leu-Pro-Gly-Pro-Ser-Asp-Thr-Pro-Ile-Leu-Pro-Gln.These segments were selected because they are more biologically activeand influential in comparison to the remainder of the hCG protein.

The first and second amino acid segments have molecular weights of 2705g/mol and 3041 g/mol, respectively. The segments were synthesized at acGMP facility using standard techniques for amino acid synthesis. Massspectral analysis using the electrospray technique confirmed theaccuracy of the molecular weights and that the purity of the amino acidsegments was 97% to 98% with a solubility of 1 mg/ml in 5% NH₄OH inwater.

Each of the amino acid segments is lyophilized resulting in a dry whitepowder. The powder includes acetate counter-ions (OAc-) paired withpositively charged residues. The acetate counter-ion also increases oralabsorption of the material.

The first and second amino acid segments were used to make a variety ofdiluted formulations. The first amino acid segments were used to preparevarious formulation using the following procedure. A mother tincture wasprepared by mixing 10 mg of powder containing the first amino acidsegments with 100 ml of 95% ethyl alcohol. The mother tincture wassuccussed 10 times to create a 4× potency.

The mother tincture was further diluted by mixing 100 ml of the mothertincture with 900 ml of 50% ethyl alcohol and succussed 10 times tocreate a 5× potency mixture. The 5× potency mixture was further dilutedto prepare mixtures having potencies of 8×, 12×, 30×, 60×, and 200×. The5× mixture was repeatedly diluted using a dilution ratio of 1:10followed by 10 succussions until the desired potency was reached. Acomposite mixture was prepared by mixing 120 ml of each of the 8×, 12×,30×, 60×, and 200× mixtures together.

The second amino acid segments were used to prepare various formulationsusing the following procedure. A mother tincture was prepared by mixing10 mg of powder containing the second amino acid segments with 10 ml ofwater. The mother tincture was succussed 10 times to create a 3×potency.

The mother tincture was further diluted by missing 10 ml of the mothertincture with 90 ml of 50% ethyl alcohol and succussed 10 times tocreate a 4× potency mixture. 100 ml of the 4× mixture was added to 900ml of 50% ethyl alcohol and succussed 10 times to create a 5× potencymixture.

The 5× mixture was further diluted to prepare mixtures having potenciesof 8×, 12×, 30×, 60×, and 200×. The 5× mixture was repeatedly dilutedusing a dilution ratio of 1:10 followed by 10 succussions until thedesired potency was reached. A composite mixture was prepared by mixing120 ml of each of the 8×, 12×, 30×, 60×, and 200× mixtures together.

The mixtures above were then compounded with various other mixtures,including mixtures prepared from other materials, to produce a finalformulation. Examples of the other mixtures that can be compounded withone or more of the amino acid mixtures above include: Brain Suis 8X,Hepar Suis 8X, Methylcobalamin 8X, Pancreas Suis 8X, Renal Suis 8X,Stomach Suis 8X, Asclepias Vincetoxicum 6X, 12X, and 30X, Echinacea 6X,12X, and 30X, Hypothalamys Suis 6X, 12X, and 30X, Calcarea Carbonica12X, 30X, and 60X, Gambogia 12X, 30X, and 60X, Gelsemium Sempervirens12X, 30X, and 60X, Graphites 12X, 30X, and 60X, Nux Vomica 12X, 30X, and60X, Phytolacca Decandra 12X, 30X, and 60X, 7-Keto DHEA 30X, ATP 30X,Glucagon 30X, Insulin 30X, Sarcolacticum Acidum 30X, DemineralizedWater, 25% Ethyl Alcohol, and Proteus Bach 30C.

The amino acid mixtures above can be mixed together with each otherand/or other mixtures in any desirable combination to produce a finalformulation. The resulting mixtures can be further diluted and succusseduntil the desired potency is achieved.

Example 2

In this example, an amino acid segment is prepared that includes thefirst twenty five amino acids starting at the N-terminal of the hCGalpha subunit followed by the last thirty five amino acids ending at theC-terminal of the hCG beta subunit.

Homeopathic formulations are prepared by serially diluting the samplesabove to a potency of 60×. The samples are administered to humans viaoral dosage by tablet, capsule, gelcap, liquid or other common method ofadministration. The samples are also incorporated into food productssuch as an energy bar, cereal, beverage, energy drink, etc.

Illustrative Embodiments

Reference is made in the following to a number of illustrativeembodiments of the disclosed subject matter. The following embodimentsillustrate only a few selected embodiments that may include one or moreof the various features, characteristics, and advantages of thedisclosed subject matter. Accordingly, the following embodiments shouldnot be considered as being comprehensive of all of the possibleembodiments.

The concepts and aspects of one embodiment may apply equally to one ormore other embodiments or may be used in combination with any of theconcepts and aspects from the other embodiments. Any combination of anyof the disclosed subject matter is contemplated.

In one embodiment, a method comprises: mixing an amino acid segment anda diluting agent to form a mixture; and serially diluting at least aportion of the mixture to produce a diluted formulation. The peptidesequence of the amino acid segment is the same as a portion of a longerpeptide sequence found in a naturally occurring material.

The naturally occurring material may include a peptide hormone, protein,or other suitable material. For example, the naturally occurringmaterial can include human chorionic gonadotropin, follicle-stimulatinghormone, luteinizing hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, human growthhormone, insulin, leptin, angiotensin, cholecystokinin, and/or ghrelin.In one embodiment, the naturally occurring material includes humanchorionic gonadotropin.

The peptide sequences of at least 50% w/w (or 5% w/w to 100% w/wincluding any amount in between) of the amino acid segments in themixture are the same as a portion of one or more longer peptidesequences found in one or more naturally occurring materials. Thepeptide sequences of at least 50% w/w (or 5% w/w to 100% w/w includingany amount in between) of the amino acid segments in the mixture are thesame as a portion of one or more longer peptide sequences found in asingle naturally occurring material. The portion of the longer peptidesequence can include a terminal end.

Serially diluting at least a portion of the mixture may includeproducing successive, increasingly dilute mixtures and vigorously mixingeach increasingly dilute mixture. Serially diluting at least a portionof the mixture may include producing successive, increasingly dilutemixtures using the same dilution ratio for each increasingly dilutemixture.

The mixture can be serially diluted using an average dilution ratio ofno more than approximately 1:5. The mixture can be serially diluted atleast three times. The concentration of the one or more amino acidsegments in the diluted formulation may be no more than 1×10⁻³ w/w orv/v. The mixture can be serially diluted with water, alcohol, glycerin,lactose, and/or sucrose.

In another embodiment, a method comprises: mixing an amino acid segmentand a diluting agent to form a mixture; repeatedly diluting at least aportion of the mixture to produce successive, increasingly dilutemixtures; and succussing each increasingly dilute mixture. The peptidesequence of the amino acid segment is the same as a portion of a longerpeptide sequence found in a naturally occurring material.

The naturally occurring material may include a peptide hormone, protein,or other suitable material. For example, the naturally occurringmaterial can include human chorionic gonadotropin, follicle-stimulatinghormone, luteinizing hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, human growthhormone, insulin, leptin, angiotensin, cholecystokinin, and/or ghrelin.In one embodiment, the naturally occurring material includes humanchorionic gonadotropin.

The peptide sequences of at least 50% w/w (or 5% w/w to 100% w/wincluding any amount in between) of the amino acid segments in themixture are the same as a portion of one or more longer peptidesequences found in one or more naturally occurring materials. Thepeptide sequences of at least 50% w/w (or 5% w/w to 100% w/w includingany amount in between) of the amino acid segments in the mixture are thesame as a portion of one or more longer peptide sequences found in asingle naturally occurring material. The portion of the longer peptidesequence can include a terminal end.

Serially diluting at least a portion of the mixture may includeproducing successive, increasingly dilute mixtures and vigorously mixingeach increasingly dilute mixture. Serially diluting at least a portionof the mixture may include producing successive, increasingly dilutemixtures using the same dilution ratio for each increasingly dilutemixture.

The mixture can be serially diluted using an average dilution ratio ofno more than approximately 1:5. The mixture can be serially diluted atleast three times. The concentration of the one or more amino acidsegments in the diluted formulation may be no more than 1×10⁻³ w/w orv/v. The mixture can be serially diluted with water, alcohol, glycerin,lactose, and/or sucrose.

In another embodiment, a homeopathic remedy comprises: a container; aformulation inside the container; and a label attached to the container.The label indicates that the formulation is an amino acid segment at apotency of at least 1X. The peptide sequence of the amino acid segmentis the same as a portion of a longer peptide sequence found in anaturally occurring material.

The label may indicate that the formulation is an amino acid segment ata potency of at least 3X. The label may also indicate that theformulation is homeopathic in nature. The formulation can be a liquid,pellet, tablet, or capsule.

In another embodiment, a method comprises administering a dilutedformulation prepared using one or more amino acid segments. The one ormore amino acid segments can be either natural or synthesized and canfunction as a therapeutic agent for women's and men's health to promote,prevent, treat, support, or ameliorate: infertility, weight control,obesity, appetite control, diabetes, thyroid disease, hypertension orblood pressure control, anti-aging, and growth and development.

The one or more amino acid segments can include a portion of theN-terminal segment of the hCG alpha subunit and at least one or moreother segments such as the C-terminal segment of the hCG beta subunit.

The diluted formulation may decrease body weight in mammals, decreaseappetite in mammals, decrease blood sugar levels in mammals, increasethyroid hormone levels in mammals, modulate blood pressure in mammals,stimulate growth and development in mammals, and/or stimulatereproductive function.

The formulation may be administered orally as a tablet, capsule, gelcap,liquid, or other common method. The therapeutic agent can also beadministered via injection by a subcutaneous, intra-muscular, orintravenous route. The therapeutic agent can also be incorporated intofood products such as an energy bar, cereal, beverage, energy drink,dip, yogurt, gum, candy, etc.

The terms recited in the claims should be given their ordinary andcustomary meaning as determined by reference to relevant entries inwidely used general dictionaries and/or relevant technical dictionaries,commonly understood meanings by those in the art, etc., with theunderstanding that the broadest meaning imparted by any one orcombination of these sources should be given to the claim terms (e.g.,two or more relevant dictionary entries should be combined to providethe broadest meaning of the combination of entries, etc.) subject onlyto the following exceptions: (a) if a term is used in a manner that ismore expansive than its ordinary and customary meaning, the term shouldbe given its ordinary and customary meaning plus the additionalexpansive meaning, or (b) if a term has been explicitly defined to havea different meaning by reciting the term followed by the phrase “as usedherein shall mean” or similar language (e.g., “herein this term means,”“as defined herein,” “for the purposes of this disclosure the term shallmean,” etc.).

References to specific examples, use of “i.e.,” use of the word“invention,” etc., are not meant to invoke exception (b) or otherwiserestrict the scope of the recited claim terms. Other than situationswhere exception (b) applies, nothing contained herein should beconsidered a disclaimer or disavowal of claim scope.

The subject matter recited in the claims is not coextensive with andshould not be interpreted to be coextensive with any particularembodiment, feature, or combination of features shown herein. This istrue even if only a single embodiment of the particular feature orcombination of features is illustrated and described herein. Thus, theappended claims should be given their broadest interpretation in view ofthe prior art and the meaning of the claim terms.

Articles such as “the,” “a,” and “an” can connote the singular orplural. Also, the word “or” when used without a preceding “either” (orother similar language indicating that “or” is unequivocally meant to beexclusive—e.g., only one of x or y, etc.) shall be interpreted to beinclusive (e.g., “x or y” means one or both x or y).

The term “and/or” shall also be interpreted to be inclusive (e.g., “xand/or y” means one or both x or y). In situations where “and/or” or“or” are used as a conjunction for a group of three or more items, thegroup should be interpreted to include one item alone, all of the itemstogether, or any combination or number of the items. Moreover, termsused in the specification and claims such as have, having, include, andincluding should be construed to be synonymous with the terms compriseand comprising.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers or expressions, such as thoseexpressing dimensions, physical characteristics, etc. used in thespecification (other than the claims) are understood as modified in allinstances by the term “approximately.” At the very least, and not as anattempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to theclaims, each numerical parameter recited in the specification or claimswhich is modified by the term “approximately” should at least beconstrued in light of the number of recited significant digits and byapplying ordinary rounding techniques.

All ranges disclosed herein are to be understood to encompass andprovide support for claims that recite any and all subranges or any andall individual values subsumed therein. For example, a stated range of 1to 10 should be considered to include and provide support for claimsthat recite any and all subranges or individual values that are betweenand/or inclusive of the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10;that is, all subranges beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more andending with a maximum value of 10 or less (e.g., 5.5 to 10, 2.34 to3.56, and so forth) or any values from 1 to 10 (e.g., 3, 5.8, 9.9994,and so forth).

1. A method comprising: mixing an amino acid segment and a dilutingagent to form a mixture; and serially diluting at least a portion of themixture to produce a diluted formulation; wherein the amino acid segmentincludes a peptide sequence of at least five amino acids that is thesame as a portion of a longer peptide sequence found in a naturallyoccurring material.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the amino acidsegment includes a peptide sequence of at least ten amino acids that isthe same as a portion of a longer peptide sequence found in a naturallyoccurring material.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the peptidesequence of the amino acid segment is the same as a portion of a longerpeptide sequence found in a naturally occurring material.
 4. The methodof claim 1 wherein the amino acid segment includes tandem or yokedpeptide sequences where each of the peptide sequences includes at leastfive amino acids and is the same as a portion of a longer peptidesequence found in a naturally occurring material.
 5. The method of claim1 wherein the naturally occurring material includes a peptide hormone.6. The method of claim 1 wherein the naturally occurring materialincludes a protein.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein the naturallyoccurring material includes human chorionic gonadotropin,follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, thyroid-stimulatinghormone, human growth hormone, insulin, leptin, angiotensin,cholecystokinin, and/or ghrelin.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein thenaturally occurring material includes human chorionic gonadotropin. 9.The method of claim 1 wherein at least 50% w/w of the amino acidsegments in the mixture include peptide sequences of at least five aminoacids that are the same as a portion of one or more longer peptidesequences found in one or more naturally occurring materials.
 10. Themethod of claim 1 wherein at least 50% w/w of the amino acid segments inthe mixture include peptide sequences of at least five amino acids thatare the same as a portion of one or more longer peptide sequences foundin a single naturally occurring material.
 11. The method of claim 1wherein the portion of the longer peptide sequence includes a terminalend.
 12. The method of claim 1 wherein serially diluting at least aportion of the mixture includes producing successive, increasinglydilute mixtures and vigorously mixing each increasingly dilute mixture.13. The method of claim 1 wherein serially diluting at least a portionof the mixture includes producing successive, increasingly dilutemixtures using the same dilution ratio for each increasingly dilutemixture.
 14. The method of claim 1 wherein the mixture is seriallydiluted using an average dilution ratio of no more than approximately1:5.
 15. The method of claim 1 wherein the mixture is serially dilutedat least three times.
 16. The method of claim 1 wherein theconcentration of the one or more amino acid segments in the dilutedformulation is no more than 1×10⁻³ w/w or v/v.
 17. A method comprising:mixing an amino acid segment and a diluting agent to form a mixture;repeatedly diluting at least a portion of the mixture to producesuccessive, increasingly dilute mixtures; and succussing eachincreasingly dilute mixture; wherein the amino acid segment includes apeptide sequence of at least five amino acids that is the same as aportion of a longer peptide sequence found in a peptide hormone.
 18. Themethod of claim 17 wherein the amino acid segment includes a peptidesequence of at least ten amino acids that is the same as a portion of alonger peptide sequence found in a peptide hormone.
 19. The method ofclaim 17 wherein the peptide sequence of the amino acid segment is thesame as a portion of a longer peptide sequence found in a peptidehormone.
 20. The method of claim 17 wherein the amino acid segmentincludes tandem or yoked peptide sequences where each of the peptidesequences includes at least five amino acids and is the same as aportion of a longer peptide sequence found in a peptide hormone.
 21. Themethod of claim 17 wherein the peptide hormone is human chorionicgonadotropin.
 22. The method of claim 17 wherein at least 50% w/w of theamino acid segments in the mixture include peptide sequences of at leastfive amino acids that are the same as a portion of one or more longerpeptide sequences found in one or more peptide hormones.
 23. The methodof claim 17 wherein the same dilution ratio is used to produce eachincreasingly dilute mixture.
 24. The method of claim 17 wherein eachincreasingly dilute mixture is diluted using an average dilution ratioof no more than approximately 1:5.
 25. The method of claim 17 whereinrepeatedly diluting at least a portion of the first mixture produces atleast three increasingly dilute mixtures.
 26. A homeopathic remedycomprising: a container; a formulation inside the container; and a labelattached to the container; wherein the label indicates that theformulation is of an amino acid segment at a potency of at least 1×; andwherein the amino acid segment includes a peptide sequence of at leastfive amino acids that is the same as a portion of a longer peptidesequence found in a naturally occurring material.
 27. The homeopathicremedy of claim 26 wherein the amino acid segment includes a peptidesequence of at least ten amino acids that is the same as a portion of alonger peptide sequence found in a naturally occurring material.
 28. Thehomeopathic remedy of claim 26 wherein the peptide sequence of the aminoacid segment is the same as a portion of a longer peptide sequence foundin a naturally occurring material.
 29. The homeopathic remedy of claim26 wherein the amino acid segment includes tandem or yoked peptidesequences where each of the peptide sequences includes at least fiveamino acids and is the same as a portion of a longer peptide sequencefound in a naturally occurring material.
 30. The homeopathic remedy ofclaim 26 wherein the naturally occurring material includes a peptidehormone.
 31. The homeopathic remedy of claim 26 wherein the naturallyoccurring material includes a protein.
 32. The homeopathic remedy ofclaim 26 wherein the naturally occurring material includes humanchorionic gonadotropin, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizinghormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, human growth hormone, insulin,leptin, angiotensin, cholecystokinin, and/or ghrelin.
 33. Thehomeopathic remedy of claim 26 wherein the naturally occurring materialincludes human chorionic gonadotropin.
 34. The homeopathic remedy ofclaim 26 wherein the label indicates that the formulation is of an aminoacid segment at a potency of at least 3×.
 35. The homeopathic remedy ofclaim 26 wherein the label indicates that the formulation is homeopathicin nature.
 36. The homeopathic remedy of claim 26 wherein theformulation is liquid.
 37. The homeopathic remedy of claim 26 whereinthe formulation is in the form of a pellet, tablet, or capsule.